For those who are interested and perhaps wish to follow along some of our tracks, below is our basic itentarary for our Iceland vacation with some tips and hints that we learned along the way.
Getting There
IcelandAir
Other airlines fly to Iceland as well (Delta is the other large airline from the US).
TIP: Keflavik, the international airport, is located approximately 45 minutes drive south of Reykjavik. The Iceland Gray Line, Flybus, taxi or a rental car is needed get to or from Leifur Eiríksson Air Terminal. Bus rental is cheapest, Taxi could be very expensive.
Getting Around
TIP: If you rent a car online be sure to book one for Keflavik, KEF, airport and not the regional airport in Reykjavik
Day One
Where we stayed
Reykjavik
Phone: +3545115002
Email: hotel@phoenix.is
Why we chose Pheonix Hotel: After researching many hotels and picking a price range between $100-$200 we were impressed by the number of postive reviews this small hotel had. It is ran by two wonderful hosts. The rooms are small but have a great little sitting room, flat screen TV and private bathroom. Each morning a great breakfast is made with tables set and assigned for each person. The hotel istelf is small but it has 5 star service.
What we did
Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa – Located approximately 15 minutes from the international airport, and 30 minutes from Reykyavik the Blue Lagoon is easy to find and provides perfect place to rejuvenate after a long flight. There are many different options but plan on spending at least $50-$60 just for the basics.
Reykjavik – Great town to walk, visit shops and grab a Gull (local beer) at a pub or eatery.
Hint: Always keep an eye out for this sign: It points you towards a point of interest. And is on many street signs.
Day Two
Where we stayed
Reykjavik
Phone: +3545115002
Email: hotel@phoenix.is
What we did
The Golden Circle
- Thingvellir National Park – Where Europe meets North America, also home of the
- Geysir – The original
- Gulfoss – One of the top ten waterfalls in the world. Amazing.
- Kerio Volcano – Dormant volcano. We ate lunch at the bottom of the of the volcano, this is a park bench sitting near the bottom.
- Hveragerdi – There is a hike (approx. 3 miles one way) at the base of the mountains just outside this town that leads to a magical valley full of hot springs and warm pools to soak in. Totally worth it! HINT: To find this trail, simply drive through the town on the main road and take the gravel road left turn at the soccer fields. Follow gravel road to parking lot at the end and you are at the trail head.
Day Three
Where we stayed
Vik
Phone: +3544871208
Email: hotel@hofdabrekka.is
Why we cose it: It is one of the few hotels in the area and was reasonably priced, includes breakfast. It is a beautiful area with the Vik beach near by and the is the half-way point between Reykjavik and Skaftafell national park.
What we did
Seljalandfoss – A waterfall whose beauty is only eclipsed by its power. It is also unique because you can walk behind it.
Eyjafjallajökull – The troublesome volcano from 2010
Skógarfoss – A magnificent waterfall with breathtaking heights HINT: While it does require walking up 373 stairs to get to the beginning of the trail, we highly recommend following this glacier river upstream to see more beautiful falls and scenery. We hiked approximately four miles in to find a series of amazing waterfall, the most spectacular being at the very top.
Vik – Quaint little ocean-side community with black sand beaches, cobalt pillars and famous rock formations
TIP: Approximately two miles before this town is an exit on the right to a point of interest. Take it! Beautiful rock formations on the ocean and perfect chance to get photos of the black sand beach as well as the glacier that looms over the valley before it. Make sure you check the hours, it usually closes by 6 in the summer so don’t wait until it is too late.
Day Four
Where we stayed
Skaftafell
Phone: +3544781945
Email: skaftafell@fosshotel.is
Why we chose it: The rooms are tiny, but the restaurant and the view is amazing. It sits at the base of two very large glaciers and is very close to the skaftefell park and trail to Svartifoss.
What we did
Waterfall photos – Lots of photo ops along the road
Glacier viewing – Lots of photo ops along the road
Jökulsárlón – Lake of Glacier. It is about 30-45 min past Skaftafell. HINT: Approximately ½ mile before the exit to the lake there is a pull off on the left of the road with steeply banked rock piles/hills. The most amazing views of the glacier lake can be found here with a very minor walk over the dirt/rock dunes!
Svartifoss – The Black Waterfall.
TIP: This 2.5 mile hike, while uphill, is easy to do as it is on an improved trail. The waterfall at the end of the trail is definitely worth the walk given its unique formation. Also in the area are glacier explorations and much more technical hikes.
Day Five
Where we stayed
Reykjavik
Phone: +354517405
Email: einholt@stay.is
HINT: This place is perfect for those wishing for an extended stay as they are complete apartments, in residential areas of Reykjavik, with full kitchens.
What we did
Revisited missed roadside waterfalls and roadside sites along the way back to Reykjavik.
Reykjavik – Great town to walk, visit shops and visited local micro brews.
